IF: Play

There’s a forested park fairly close by where I like to take 16 year-old Samantha when she stays with us. She’s free to roam around without a leash through uncut grass, fields of wildflowers and trails. She seems to enjoy it overall, except when other dogs notice her and jaunt over to see if she’ll play with them. Sam isn’t a very sociable dog when it comes to being with other dogs–or people for that matter (unless you’ve got food; food is her Achilles’ heel), so she doesn’t react with glee at their bum-sniffing, drooling, and poking. When we were there a few days ago, a 6 month old shepherd pup named Sheba wanted Sam to play with her. Sheba got so aggressive in pursuing Sam to participate that Sam finally snapped. She snipped and barked, and when I reached down to calm her, she snapped at me. I sometimes wonder if she holds it against me when I take her someplace where she ends up going through something uncomfortable (to see fireworks, for example. She hated that), but no. Sam doesn’t hold grudges. I love that little dog.

Great illustration, first of all. Painter? Photoshop? Doesn’t really matter, as long as you are enjoying it. The park sounds like a lot of fun, for you and the dog. We took our chihuahua to the dog park near our house a couple of weeks ago and she did okay, but only with dogs smaller than her. There were a couple of Jack Russels there (brother and sister, I think) that chased her around and around the park. It was hard to tell if she was enjoying herself, or running for her life…

She sounds like a great dog. Actually my dog hates that stuff too. She is just too mellow to be jumped at and such. I really love this illustration. There is so much expression especailly Samantha. You can just tell what she is thinking-“Oh god get me away from these maniacs.” Well done. Cheers!

This is so cute! I love watching doggie socializing, I think Sam probably is just older and not as exuberant as the the younger dogs. I am sure if my GSD Heidi ran into Sam, she’s be as annoying as Sheba… dogs just want to play!

suzanne: Thanks! No, Fortunately she doesn’t growl or get upset and possessive about her food bowl. I do, however.

Carla: Yes, probably part of it is her age, but she never was really socialized with other dogs earlier in her life, so I guess she’s just not used to them. and doesn’t play that much anymore. She’s okay until there’s extensive bum sniffing, you know?

Hey, hey Paula – it’s good to be back nosing around your site, so to speak – your Play illustration is so very cute – as is the story behind it – I love you work – you know that – and this is a great example of what I love about it – whimsical, full of expression, very alive – it really draws you in! Thanks for sharing with all of us – we’re the richer for it…

Beth eh

July 31, 2007 | 6:51 pm

Paula – I’ve just discovered your drawings, and have been browsing for nearly an hour !

This particular one just shouted out to me – seems like you’ve met my Miss Cleopatra – friendlyish – as long as you’ve got snacks and you’re not letting other dogs sniff her nether regions. You’ve caught the expression marvellously.

Thank you so much for sharing your work – there’s so much wonderful to explore here.

Thank you, Beth! I’m most happy to hear you liked this drawing. Poor Sam (and your Miss Cleopatra)! No every dog likes to be sniffed down yonder, eh? And thanks for letting me know your thoughts by leaving a post. Bless you!–Paula